The first vote of confidence came from the now reclusive Brigitte Bardot, who was moved to speak up in response to a critical essay on Depardieu’s expatriation written by French actor Philippe Torreton. In a statement, the 77-year-old former sex symbol advised Torreton to “keep his venom, his vulgarity, his mediocrity and his jealousy to insult someone worthy of the bother.” (The A.F.P., acting as referee of the new dispute, rated Bardot’s tone as “her catty best.”) Even though Bardot and Depardieu have clashed in the past over his enthusiasm for bullfighting, the actress fully endorsed him in this matter: “I support Gérard Depardieu, who has been the victim of extremely unfair persecution,” Bardot, an animal-rights activist, wrote. “Even if he is a fan of bullfighting, that does not prevent him being an exceptional actor who represents France with a unique fame and popularity.”

Also in Depardieu’s corner is Catherine Deneuve, his co-star in several films including The Last MetroandPotiche, who also publicly opposed Torreton’s essay. In her own open letter, Deneuve criticized Torreton’s “anger [which] was borne of your hasty judgments made without thinking and this pettiness.” The actress also reprimanded him for taking pot shots at Depardieu: “You take aim at his physique! His talents!,” she scolded. Speaking of Depardieu’s physique, the A.F.P. wins the prize for best newsy description of his current size, calling the 64-year-old “hulking,” while the Internet is giving the same topicitscatty best. (We, meanwhile, believe that after starring in nearly 170 films, you should be permitted to grow as “hulking” as you wish.)

In other news, it turns out that Depardieu’s comment about being offered a Russian passport was not a joke! On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin clarified that he would be happy to have the French actor in his country: “I’m sure the French authorities did not want to offend Mr Depardieu. But if he’d like to have a Russian passport, consider it settled.”